At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead M&A operations, advising clients on tech matters and managing high-value projects.
- Company: Join PwC's dynamic S&M&A Operations team, working with top brands globally.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, private medical cover, and generous volunteering days.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Financial Services sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational analysis and familiarity with financial services applications required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About The Role
PwC’s S & M&A Operations team assists both Corporate and Private Equity (PE) clients in a wide range of business critical operational and transformational challenges, driven by Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity. We advise our clients on deals with values ranging from £50 million to over £100 billion and our clients include some of the most well-known brands and businesses in the world. We have around 200 dynamic and friendly people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines. We recruit proactively from industry, consulting, private equity and audit to create a blend of relevant experience to support each transaction.
Within the M&A Operations team, the Financial Services sector team is a successful, growing and supportive team that specialises in helping clients pre‑transaction by assessing FS companies’ operations and technology, and identifying value creation opportunities – as well as helping FS clients post‑deal with fast‑paced transformation programmes – including planning operational separations and mergers.
What Your Days Will Look Like
- Client leadership: advising C‑suite executives, private equity investors, and their advisers on complex technology matters in the context of M&A transactions within the Financial Services sector.
- Project leadership: managing multiple high‑value projects simultaneously, ensuring quality, timeliness, and risk management.
- Team leadership: coaching, mentoring, and developing junior colleagues, building a strong pipeline of technology specialists.
- Business development: originating opportunities, leading pitches, and building trusted relationships with clients and intermediaries.
- Practice development: helping shape our methodology, tools, and market positioning, ensuring we remain the market leader.
The Role Is For You If You Have
- The ability to lead the formulation of operational and IT analysis, as well as operating model design review and IT strategy assessment.
- Experience of working with and/or assessing FS business applications – e.g. insurance policy administration systems, core banking platforms, investment management software etc., as well as familiarity and confidence in relation to assessing IT infrastructure and IT‑related policies.
- Comfort around shaping the IT and operational analysis required to quickly understand the core IT, operational and back‑office processes and their associated costs to the business.
- Proven experience of understanding financial and commercial models in the context of opining on / creating detailed IT and operational cost information, budgets, interpreting data, and performing scenario analysis.
- Operational experience of reviewing one or more of the following areas: performance improvements, cost‑reduction plans, cost‑out strategies, business case development or capital expenditure needs.
- A demonstrable ability to ‘read’ a business/process and to anticipate issues as well as identify potential upside opportunities.
- Experience of project support and development, including planning and costing changes.
- Capability to quickly assimilate large amounts of information and identify key messages.
- Expertise in creating clear, concise presentations and drafting comprehensive board papers for executive audiences.
What You’ll Receive From Us
No matter where you may be in your career or personal life, our benefits are designed to add value and support, recognising and rewarding you fairly for your contributions. We offer a range of benefits including empowered flexibility and a working week split between office, home and client site; private medical cover and 24/7 access to a qualified virtual GP; six volunteering days a year and much more.
S& M&A Ops – FS Technology and Operations - Director employer: PwC UK
PwC is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where employees are empowered to lead and innovate in the fast-paced world of M&A operations. With a strong focus on professional development, our team members benefit from extensive coaching and mentoring opportunities, alongside a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance. Located in a vibrant city, we offer competitive benefits including private medical cover and volunteering days, making PwC a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land S& M&A Ops – FS Technology and Operations - Director
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like PwC UK. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace S& M&A Ops – FS Technology and Operations - Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to PwC UK.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on PwC UK's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PwC UK
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with PwC UK.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at PwC UK will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former PwC UK employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
